Regional policy

The largest piece of EU science infrastructure in Eastern Europe is also the first to be built – at a cost of €300M - with structural funds. Money was not an issue, but rules for constructing roads and railways don’t work for research facilities

The multi-billion euro programme for modernising the EU’s poorest regions is a pile of rules, forms, and duplication. “We became more complicated and more complex every time we spoke about simplification,” concedes EU Regional Commissioner Corina Creţu. “We cannot justify it”

At two hours from Lisbon by plane, Madeira is looked upon as something of an innovation backwater. We’re gathering a team of researchers that will challenge the perception, says Nuno Nunes, a researcher with a penchant for subversive and surprising technology

Regional innovation specialists, gathered for the first stocktake since the EU’s new policy got off the ground, criticised bureaucracy and unfavourable reimbursement rules. Many researchers and SMEs remain to be convinced about the scheme

If Europe’s regional policy is to contribute to smart and sustainable growth, regional funds must be allocated to research, innovation, ICT and the low carbon economy, says Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for Regional Policy